You can make a whole new life possible through sponsorship
Sponsors now have an opportunity to make it possible for deaf children to go to school. ECM’s ministry to the deaf is targeting children who have never been able to go to school because of their inability to hear or communicate. As we receive sponsorships, we will send the children to the “Institut pour Sourds Muets de Kinshasa” (ISMK). Teachers at ISMK are skilled in teaching deaf children. Some of them have been helping the deaf learn for over twenty years. Using pictures, hand signs, and written French words, they are teaching the children to communicate.
Even though most have no idea what a sound is, amazingly, they are able learn to read in French. Eventually, they also learn in their native Lingala. This is the only way these children will ever be able to learn of the saving Gospel of Jesus. If you would like to receive details about sponsorship, contact Lorella at Lrouster@ecmafrica.org. The rewards are great!
Here are two who need sponsors before school starts in September:
Yes, despite the difference in ages, both these girls hope to enter preschool in September. Preschool is essential since they have never been to school before, and they need to learn sign language to provide a vehicle of communication. Then they will learn to read, write, and do math. They will also attend a weekly chapel and a Sunday school where they will learn that they are valuable, made in God’s image, and deeply loved by Him. They will learn how Jesus can restore their friendship with God and give them eternal life in Him. Would you pray about possibly sponsoring one of these girls for only $37 a month? (Note–Because deaf children need a specialized school, ECM needs two sponsors for each child.) If this opportunity is not right for you at this time, would you pray with us that they both get sponsorship before September? THANK YOU!
Ministry to the Deaf–Kinshasa’s First Deaf Sunday School
The sprawling city of Kinshasa gained its first-ever deaf Sunday school in January 2023. This followed months of surveying the needs of the deaf in the city. ECM workers began this ministry to the deaf in collaboration with the “Communauté Chrétienne de Sourds-Muets de Kinshasa” (CCSMK). About thirty children and youth currently attend the Sunday school. Our teachers conduct the school entirely in ASL (American Sign Language). This includes prayers, songs, memory verse, Bible story and other activities–all in ASL. ECM has set a goal that every deaf child in Kinshasa and eventually in all of Congo hear the Word of God in a Sunday school geared to their needs.
We invite you to join us in prayer that the other groups of deaf throughout the city may also be reached with the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Children eagerly say “yes” to Jesus
Missionary Lorella Rouster says she found it heartwarming to see the eager response of the deaf children to the Gospel. When asked if anyone would like to say “yes” to Jesus, many responded, “I would! I would! Me! Me!” (Of course, they “said” this by signing. None of them can speak.) Even when the teacher explained that this meant they were choosing to turn away from a life of sin, the answer was still yes. Even when they were told that this meant they were choosing to follow Jesus and obey Him all their lives, the answer was still yes. Enthusiastically, yes. Who would not be glad to teach such children?